asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the action he proposes to take with regard to the decline in employment of over 300 in the fertiliser manufacturing industry in the year 1976-77; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fertiliser Industry Employment.
27.
The net decline in the numbers engaged in the fertiliser manufacturing industry is due to the closure of the Dublin works of one manufacturing company. At the time I made every effort to persuade the company concerned to reverse its decision.
The prospects for employment in the industry will be greatly enhanced when NET commence production at Marino Point in spring, 1978. This factory will create employment for 500 workers.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary say whether the importation of fertilisers had any effect on the closure of the factory in Dublin that he has mentioned?
I imagine that the general trading position of the group of which the company was a member was a major factor in the problem and possibly as well other factors like the general competitiveness of the particular plant contributed to its situation. However, as I indicated, measures are being taken in regard to the use of our natural gas in the production of nitrogenous fertiliser to remedy the situation. When the Marino Point project comes into operation there will be a net increase in the total number of people employed in the fertiliser industry, even including the loss which resulted from the factory mentioned.